The beta version of Android was first out in 2007. The next year saw the release of the first commercial version and since 2009 (after Astro and Bender), each of the Android versions has been named after a dessert and the names have been in alphabetical order. The subsequent versions were- Cupcake, Donut, Éclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean. The new versions focused on fixing the bugs, adding new features and improving the User Interface.
The first-ever Android phone was the T-Mobile G1, out in October 2008. It came with quirky design elements like the swing-out keyboard and the “chin”. Then, the HTC Hero, out in October 2009 was the first CDMA Android phone. At the same time, the Samsung Moment came with a slider design for the first time but it lacked photo-editing options. The next big thing was the Motorola Droid. It was the first Verizon Android device, and first appearance of Éclair (2.0). The pinch-to-zoom feature was seen first with the HTC Droid Eris in 2009. A number of devices came out at the same time with different versions- mainly 1.5, 1.6 and 2.1- most of these had something or the other to boast of- some had “Blazingly fast” processors or virtual keyboards and oppo a5 price Swype or improved GPS integration.
The famous Samsung Galaxy S series started with the Samsung Vibrant in July 2010. Sony Ericsson Xperia X 10, out in August 2010 was the first Sony Ericsson Android phone. It featured company’s Timescape feature and UXP interface. All this time, almost all the carriers in the US started supporting Android phones and they now came with prepaid carriers too. Then the HTC ThunderBolt with Android 2.2 came out in March 2011, which supported Verizon’s 4G LTE network for incredible fast data speeds and could deliver simultaneous voice and data.
The subsequent devices too came with added features in appearance and functions. Android grew, it grew fast and grew only to get better. Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, HTC Sensation 4G, Samsung Galaxy S II and the latest Samsung Galaxy S III were a few revolutionary devices.
Along with the Android devices grew the Android app development companies. Applications became an essential part of the global Android scenario. App development companies mushroomed in a short span and every business wanted to hire an Android app developer to create an app for their business. How Android further endeavors to maintain and increase the craze is yet to be seen!
